Finding the best boutique hotels in San Francisco can be a bit of a challenge without prior research. After all, with 25 million people visiting The Golden City each year, there are tons of high-quality resorts to choose from. However, if you’re looking for the best of the best, without having to miss out on getting a full flavor for the city, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled this list of the best boutique hotels in San Francisco, so that you can truly enjoy a luxurious vacation in the lovely City by the Bay.
If you are a Marriott Bonvoy member you may want to also consider the some of the top Marriott properties in San Francisco in addition to Fishermans Wharf.
Hotel Drisco
Hotel Drisco is often considered to be an oasis in one of San Francisco’s most upscale and charming neighborhoods. This luxury hotel prizes iconic views overlooking the lower Bay Area from the Pacific Heights region. With spacious and sophisticated suites offering charming modern amenities, you’re guaranteed to feel like you’ve found Heaven on Earth.
Fortunately, Hotel Drisco is far enough away from the hustle and bustle of downtown to enjoy some peace and quiet in the evenings. But when you’re ready to start your day, you’re just a short drive away from San Francisco’s top attractions, like the Golden Gate Park, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the shopping, restaurant and nightlife district of Chestnut Street.
Phoenix Hotel
For a little more flair, definitely don’t pass on the Phoenix Hotel. This legendary rock n’ roll resort is one of the coolest hotels located in the center of downtown San Francisco. Built in the 1950’s, this hotel has been (and continues to be) visited by some of the world’s most famous musicians. If you’re lucky, you may even get the opportunity for an autograph. Amenities at the Phoenix Hotel include an art-filled pool heated to 85-degrees, free WiFi, flat screen TVs in every room, and an onsite restaurant and bar.
As a bonus, Nob Hill, one of the highest-income neighborhoods in the United States, is just a short cable car ride away from the hotel. Although you may never wish to leave the Phoenix Hotel due to its intriguing and engaging history, being in the heart of downtown San Francisco means most everything is just a few blocks away.
Hotel Zeppelin
Hotel Zeppelin is another nod to counterculture and history, truly one-of-a-kind in the experience it provides. This trendy hotel was formed with San Francisco’s rebels in mind; the writers, the poets, the musicians, all of whom shaped the counterculture in what it is today. Hotel Zeppelin isn’t just a boutique hotel, it’s an experience that can only be encountered by staying overnight in one of their well-appointed guestrooms.
Select rooms even have vintage LP record players, fully stocked wet bars, and a fireplace for setting the mood right. In addition, the avant-garde atmostphere is complete with free high-speed Wi-Fi and custom-created bohemian furniture. If you’re looking for an evening out, Hotel Zeppelin is also only one block away from Union Square, the central shopping and theater district of downtown San Francisco.
Hotel Zetta
*Our top pick for best boutique hotels in San Francisco
Hotel Zetta takes all of the cleanest elements of a business resort and splashes it with panache. Each guestroom is designed to make you feel skillful and centered while maintaining enough color and objects of interest to ignite your sense of creativity. You’ll be treated to complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen smart-TV, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with a wide range of activities.
If you’d like to further indulge, be sure to check out the massage room and the billiard tables to make your stay even more enjoyable. For late night snacks, a lavish brunch before you hit the town, or delicious lunches, be sure to check out the onsite restaurant, The Cavalier, a London-inspired brasserie. Popular landmarks near Hotel Zetta include Golden Gate Theater, and the Powell and Market Cable Car Turnaround.
1 Hotel San Francisco formerly Hotel Vitale
Hotel Vitale, rebranded as 1 Hotel San Francisco, is the pristine spa environment you’ve always been seeking after. This luxury boutique hotel is seeking to be the leader in sustainability and otherworldly comfort. From organic cotton linens, reclaimed natural materials, and native greenery, 1 Hotel San Francisco is sure to rejuvenate your spirit down to every pore. If you’re hoping to dive deep into wellness in the evenings and explore some of San Francisco’s finest attractions during the day, look no further than this luxury resort.
1 Hotel San Francisco is located on the Embarcadero, San Francisco’s famous eastern waterfront that stretches from Pier 39 to AT&T Park. The waterfront resort will provide you with easy access to the Fisherman’s Wharf to purchase legendary pacific seafood. Or if you’re feeling sportier, head down to the stadium and root for the San Francisco Giants. This luxury hotel offers a perfect blend of the Golden City skyline, adorned with natural Northern California greenery, sure to delight any guest seeking an all-encompassing vacation.
Much More to Offer
San Francisco is undoubtedly a city of splendor. From the Golden Gate Bridge to Nob Hill, the Financial District to the North Beach, your vacation here has every opportunity to be exactly what you want to make of it. So you want to stay in a boutique hotel influence by music and art? No problem. The Phoenix Hotel and Hotel Zeppelin are right up your alley. Looking for something a little ritzier? You’ll find all the extravagance and then some at Hotel Drisco.
No matter what you’re after, San Francisco is one of the greatest cities in the world because it has so much to offer. Check out the historical Haight-Ashbury district, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, or the largest beach in San Francisco, Ocean Beach, to soak up some of the sun’s rays. Stroll along the Embarcadero on the waterfront, beginning at the Cupid’s Span sculpture. Or go sight-seeing and ride around on San Francisco’s famous cable cars, if that suits your interests.
With so many things to do in San Francisco, there’s no shortage of activities and attractions to occupy every ounce of your time. But what really matters is that you feel comfortable wherever you decide to lay your head down each night. These top boutique hotels were hand-picked to give you an idea of what’s available. So, what are you waiting for? Book your stay in the Golden City and live lavishly.
